About the book
A holy war in Epic, Kansas? You'd better believe it! It's Revival Week, and every man, woman, child and cocker spaniel—if it looks Methodist—is expected to be there.

There really is an Epic, Kansas, but you won't find it on a map. Perhaps it's the very town where you grew up. Perhaps you, like Edwin J. Stamford, at age eleven, lived there while coming to grips with one of the basic truths of life: "Always blame the boy!"

Growing up is never easy—and Edwin may not have been the first nor the last boy to cut his toe while trying to learn the manly art of shaving.

If you were ever a boy, you probably lived many weeks like Edwin's. If you were a sister, you were probably "Irene the Rat" —and you should be ashamed of yourself.

A fantastic rite of passage, The Revival reminds us of innocent times, simpler places, and the wonders of growing up.

Read the book's Introduction
by Kansas author, Don Coldsmith

Reading group discussion questions for
The Revival by Max Yoho:

1. Approximately WHEN in the 20th century do you think the action in The Revival takes place? What clues are given in the narrative? Has small town life changed much since that time? How?
2. Is the relationship etched between Edwin and his older sister, Irene the Rat, a likely one between siblings? Does it seem likely that Edwin could hate his sister and love her too?
3. Do the characters of Mose and Mew Washington add to the story? In what way? Do you think that racial tolerance is an important concept in this story? Are other tolerances exemplified? If so, which ones?
4. What do you think the author's true feelings are regarding religion? Does Yoho seem to have any axes to grind concerning religion?
5. What part does Edwin's alter ego, Snake Shadow, play in his abilities to cope with challenges in life -- town bully, romances, etc.? Do boys really dream up alter egos?
6. How would you characterize Edwin's mother and her influence in his life? What about the role of Edwin's father?
7. What social comments might be inferred by Edwin's episode of begging on Main Street?
8. What was your favorite episode in the book? Why? What strengths do you see in Yoho's writing? Would you recommend this book to others?
9. Does Yoho's story spur any personal remembrances about growing up? Share your story.

Participating Booksellers —a partial listing

Order The Revival online

Learn more about Dancing Goat Press from news coverage in the Emporia Gazette, June 2001

Readers comments:

"...my kind of lunacy. "

--Baxter Black, Cowboy poet

"The Revival is wonderful. I am only ready for Chapter 6, (I'm a slow reader) but I don't want to read it fast because it's so rich. I just love it! Coldsmith's comparison to Twain is very apt. The writing reminds me of Twain in his younger, leaner days before he wrote tomes that went on and on. I literally had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard last night. I think this may just be the funniest book I've ever read. I can just hear Max tell it."

--Bill Shaffer, KTWU, Channel 11

"I just finished The Revival and loved it! I can assure you, it isn't just men who will find it delightful, because here I am, living proof as a delighted woman. You are going to bring smiles to faces and laughs to bellies all over the place and what a great gift that is. It is funny, the characters are wonderful, the situations so much fun, the language a delight (I kept hearing your voice, Max - literally), and the whole experience of reading one to be treasured. Thank you for your sharing Edwin's view of the world, your humor and your wisdom with us."

--Nancy Keith

"Hey Max!!! Your book! My god, it IS a pageturner. I couldn't set it down. I started reading it the moment I got home on Saturday, and I'm already up to page 9!! [Actually, I had it finished by about noon, Sunday.] Seriously: hilarious. I'm jealous. I thought I had the best sense of humor in the world. ... So many things mirrored things I did, (or certainly thought, anyway) as a kid. Honestly: great(!) man. I've already recommended it to a number of people, and plan on buying some additional copies to send to friends."

--Gene Bates

"...you have given me a day full of pleasure and outloud laughs. I think I'd trade my family for the one you introduce so well -- and I may have even once been Irene the Rat. ...Your adoption of Edwin's voice is excellent and many of the chapters make good short stories standing alone. Okay, okay, I'm done effusing. For now. Perhaps."

--Naomi Patterson, columnist, Topeka Capital-Journal